Speech for Postmaster General at the 2nd Inter-School Competition on Stamp Exhibits Award Presentation-cum-Exhibition Opening Ceremony

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Mr. LEE, Mr. CHOW, Mr. KWAN, friends from philatelic societies, principals, teachers, students, distinguished guests and friends from the media,

Welcome to the 2nd Inter-School Competition on Stamp Exhibits Award Presentation cum Exhibition Opening Ceremony.

This is the second Inter-School Competition on Stamp Exhibits. I can very well recall the encouraging response from students when we held the first competition last year. I believe, therefore, we can promote philately among students through the Competition by enhancing their interests in making stamp exhibits.

Philately is a meaningful and inexpensive pastime and thematic stamp exhibit a combination of stamp products and narratives. By producing stamp exhibits, students can enrich their knowledge of philately as well as broaden their horizons by exploring culture and history both locally and globally. It can also serve as an excellent training in presentation and writing skills. While making stamp exhibits is nothing new for veteran philatelists, it is a novel experience for most students. Therefore, we have organized workshops for students and teachers to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge so that they can enjoy better in producing their own stamp exhibits.

I am glad to announce that we have received 100 entries and 135 frames this year. These excellent exhibits from novices, together with the award-winning exhibits in other competitions from local philatelic societies, will be displayed between 13 April 2001 and 16 April 2001. The public can entry for free and enjoys the unique and innovative exhibits of these collectors.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to our co-organizer, Education Department, our Philatelic Ambassador, Mr. CHOW Yun-fat and our sponsor, the Commercial Press (H.K.) Ltd. Special thanks is also given to China Philatelic Association, Hong Kong Philatelic Society, Tsim Sha Tsui Philatelic Club and Police Philatelic Club for assisting in the adjudication. We are very much obliged indeed to have the winning exhibits for display by courtesy of their members. The ardent support from all of you is vital to the success of the Competition and Exhibition.

Finally, congratulations to the winners and their schools.

Thank you.

End/Friday, April 13, 2001

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